The archbishop of the Yaounde metropolitan archdiocese, Jean Mbarga, has called on christians to be examples of true followers of christ in their various communities.
He was speaking in Yaounde on April 04, 2021 during the celebration of the Easter mass at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral.
Drawing inspiration from the gospel of John, chapter 20:1-9 which talks about the resurrection of Christ, His Grace Jean Mbarga, invited his Christian to turn away from sins and embrace a new life with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“This year, we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, accepting that he is calling us to build a new community because resurrection means development, change and evolution. That is why we call on the faithful to accept to live together, to work together, to try to dominate all the poverties and improve all situations in the family and society, in the church and everywhere. Let’s build together in Community and safe our lives,” said His Lordship Jean Mbarga at end of the sermon.
He went further to reiterate that there is life after death, as seen with the resurrection of Christ. He reminded his christians that this life is just a passage, and they need to live according to God’s word so as to have a place in heaven.
“Indeed he is resurrected. This is historical and a mystery that confirms our believe in human immortality in life after death, and the hope of the resurrection. We can not live on earth as if there is no life after death. Let us be at the school of the resurrection. Let us live the resurrection of Christ and actualize it. It is the total proof of the power of God and the fullness of life in him,” preached the archbishop.
In order to do this successfully, Christians must have maximum faith in God, he noted. “The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is at the centre of our faith. According to Saint Paul, if christ didn’t die, then it is our fate,” he said.
The archbishop again reminded the Christians that their mission on earth is to take the gospel of the lord to the ends of the world.
“Our mission as Christians is to proclaim the gospel, that is to announce everywhere and at anytime the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These two elements are the origin of what we are and what we live in the church. Let us assembly a new humanity.” He noted.
He also urged Christian to be truthful and to promote love, unity and transparency in their different works of life. This way, Christ’s light will illuminate everywhere his disciples are found, lives will be transformed, and communities and the world at large will be renewed.
Giving the sociopolitical crisis faced by the nation, His Lordship Jean Mbarga, pleaded with Christians to assist eliminate the crisis through good moral, ethical and patriotic values.
“Let’s promote peace and solidarity, welcome migrants, love and cordiality at all levels, work together and put in place factors of vigilance in prevention against the ongoing pandemic of covid-19. Let’s also define good policies that will endeavour people to have jobs, to meet up with the basic needs, to put an end to youths violence and deliquency. Promote good education and establish more means of solidarity, put in place a culture of prayers like the early apostolic Community,” he prayed.
Other churches across Yaounde also celebrated Easter, with the main message of repentance.
The event was marked with diverse activities such as baptism, glory and alleluia chantings, fanfare and merry making.
Christians expressed the joy of finally celebrating Easter, after 40 days of fasting, prayers and temptation. Catholic Christians again will be celebrating the Feast of the Divine Mercy on Sunday April 11, 2021.
